Police force taken out of special measures

Isaac Ashe
BBC News, East Midlands
BBC A Nottinghamshire Police panda car with a force logo on the sideBBC
A watchdog has lifted the enhanced monitoring put in place in 2024 following an inspection

Improvements at Nottinghamshire Police have led to the force being taken out of special measures by a watchdog.

The police force was told to "urgently produce an improvement plan" by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) in March after being put under an enhanced level of monitoring.

Three out of eight elements of policing were rated "inadequate" following an inspection from the end of 2023 to January 2024.

Nottinghamshire Police said it had taken special measures "very seriously" and was committed to continued improvement.

Police forces are moved into special measures and "an enhanced level of monitoring" by HMICFRS if they are "not effectively addressing the inspectorate's concerns".

Nottinghamshire Police has now been returned to routine monitoring as it has made improvements in deterring crime, management of crime, its leadership and the culture across the workforce, HMICFRS said.

HM Inspector Roy Wilsher said the progress was "pleasing".

He added: "While there is still work to do, we are reassured by the plans the police force has in place to continue making improvements, particularly in relation to crime investigation, leadership, force management and neighbourhood policing.

"We will continue to assess its progress to make sure the people of Nottinghamshire are getting the service they deserve."

Steve Cooper is pictured outside force HQ wearing a black jacket bearing a badge that says "Police"
Chief Constable Steve Cooper said the force is committed to maintaining the progress it has made

Chief Constable Steve Cooper said: "This represents a significant step in the force's ongoing improvement journey to better serve communities across Nottinghamshire.

"We used this as an opportunity not only to deliver meaningful improvements that are embedded across our force, but to improve in all that we do.

"The changes we have made have improved the quality of service we provide to communities and victims of crime and we are committed to maintaining this and identifying any further improvements we can make."

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said the lifting of enhanced monitoring was a "milestone moment" and the force needs to "keep up the pace" and "improve even further".

The report's publication came shortly after the force was criticised for its handling of the Nottingham attacks, although the HMICFRS said special measures was not linked to the case.

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